Downloads: Who killed Saab Automobile?

Obituary of an automotive icon

Saab Automobile AB was declared bankrupt on December 19, 2011. This marked the end of 62 years of car production for the iconic brand, which during its final years was beset with financial problems and changes of ownership. More than 3,700 workers lost their jobs when the Trollhättan factory finally closed its doors after producing a total of 4.5 million Saab vehicles over the years. But what was the root cause for the company’s demise? Was it preventable? And who was to blame?

About the authors

Matthias Holweg is Reader in Operations Management and Director of Research at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK. He also is a visiting researcher at Chalmers University, Sweden.

Nick Oliver is Professor of Management and Head of the University of Edinburgh Business School, Edinburgh, UK. He is also a fellow at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.